Pompeo Minister Visiting Italy
Stated This in Speech at Symposium Hosted by U.S. Embassy to the Holy See
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo emphasized the role of politicians from democratic countries and religious leaders in guaranteeing religious freedom, indirectly addressing the issue of religious repression in North Korea.
According to materials distributed by the U.S. Department of State on the 30th (local time), Secretary Pompeo, who is visiting Italy, said in a speech at a symposium hosted by the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See, "As Christians, we all know that we live in a fallen world," adding, "This means that those responsible for the public good must sometimes confront evil people and truly evil regimes."
He continued, "By doing so, politicians representing democracy must never lose the moral truth and human dignity that make democracy possible," emphasizing, "Religious leaders must also understand that being the light and salt means bearing bold moral witness."
He also pointed out, "Islamic leaders should represent the Uyghurs and other oppressed Muslims in China, including Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan," and "Jewish leaders should advocate for the dwindling Jewish population in Yemen."
He stated, "Christian leaders have the duty to represent their brothers and sisters in Iraq, North Korea, and Cuba," and "I urge leaders of all faiths to find the courage to stand against religious persecution in their communities."
Secretary Pompeo's speech that day focused on directly targeting China's religious repression issues and emphasizing the role of the Holy See.
In the case of North Korea, rather than directly raising the issue of religious repression, it was mentioned as one of the countries where religious freedom is not guaranteed. North Korea is listed as a country that suppresses religious freedom in the Department of State's International Religious Freedom Report.
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